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DNSChanger Malware Virus Information

Summary

Learn more about the DNSChanger virus, a form of malware that may be negatively affecting your system settings.

Solution

If you receive a message from Cox Customer Safety regarding the DNSChanger virus, review the instructions below to remove the malware from your system. Also, verify that you have the correct DNS settings on your computer, router, or gateway. Removal of the virus alone does not resolve the DNS setting issue.

Cox Communications is dedicated to protecting the Internet experience of our customers. We notify customers when their computer systems may be infected a virus or other malicious software, which is commonly known as malware. DNSChanger malware affects your Internet browsing experience and can remotely control computers.

The following are ways that DNSChanger malware affects your computers, routers, or gateways.

Additional details about this malware, how it can attack, and how your system may have been infected are available on the FBI and Department of Justice website.

DNSChanger malware causes a computer to use rogue Domain Name System (DNS) settings in one of two ways. First, when malware infects a computer, it changes the DNS settings to bad settings controlled by the malicious operator. Second, if the malware infects a router or gateway, all computers located behind the router or gateway within your network could be controlled by the malicious operator. Therefore, these changes may impact all computers on your network, even if those computers are not themselves infected with the malware.

Removal Instructions

This malicious software has many forms and versions. While no utility can always detect and remove all versions from all operating systems, Cox recommends the following free tools as they may be effective to remove DNSChanger malware.

Choose a removal tool that best suits your needs. All computers connected to the Internet should be scanned.

If these tools are unable to remove the malware, the Department of Justice along with the FBI and Cox, recommend that you update your master boot record and reformat your hard drive. If you are unable to do this yourself, take it to a local repair shop or contact Cox Tech Solutions. Visit Cox Tech Solutions online or call 877-TEC-SOLV (832-7658) to get started.

DNS Settings

Check your DNS settings. It is important that you find and remove any incorrect settings on your computer, router, or gateway.

If your DNS settings display IP addresses within the ranges listed below, you must reconfigure the device and secure your router or gateway with a strong password. For tips on creating a strong password, refer to Cox Password Requirements.

85.255.112.0 through 85.255.127.255

67.210.0.0 through 67.210.15.255

93.188.160.0 through 93.188.167.255

77.67.83.0 through 77.67.83.255

213.109.64.0 through 213.109.79.255

64.28.176.0 through 64.28.191.255

Use one of the guides below to access the your computer's Internet settings.

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